In Queensland, there are two avenues to take if you are interested in studying medicine after high school:
- Undergraduate degree followed by a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD), or
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
The institution you choose and whether you are a domestic or international student, will impact the overall cost of your medical degree.
- In Australia, most domestic students studying medicine are entitled to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), where the Australian Government subsidises a large portion of the full course fee and the student pays the difference (either upfront or through a HECS-HELP loan).
- International and some domestic students (e.g. at private universities), can apply for a full fee-paying place. Fees are set by the university.
Government support – access and participation in higher education
The Australian Government is currently prioritising ensuring access to studying medicine in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia. Visit Access and Participation – Department of Education, Australian Government for more information on:
- This measure currently ensures that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Australia are guaranteed a CSP at a university of their choice when accepted into their chosen non-medical field of study, but will be extended to courses in medicine from 2026
- Regional University Study Hubs program
- National Regional, Rural and Remote Tertiary Education Strategy
- Rural Access Scheme (RAS), which allows eligible applicants to have their ATAR rank boosted by 2 ranks upon applying for their eligible program.
Medical degree options
There are four universities in Queensland who provide these medical degree options.
| Institution | Duration | Course type | Prerequisites | Entry requirements | Location | Rural Access Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond University | 4 years 8 mths | Undergraduate Bachelor of Medical Studies, Doctor of Medicine | English, English as an additional language, Literature, or English & Literature Extension | Minimum ATAR 96+, psychometric testing, interview | Gold Coast | Not available |
| James Cook University | 6 years | Undergraduate MBBS | English (3/4, C); Mathematical Methods (3/4, C); Chemistry (3/4, C) | ATAR 91.65-99.95 | Townsville or Cairns | RAS available |
| Griffith University | 4 years | Postgraduate MD | - | Any Bachelor Degree with min GPA 5.0 and overall score of 50+ in GAMSAT test | Gold Coast or Brisbane (Nathan) | RAS available |
| The University of Queensland | 4 years | Postgraduate MD | Two science prerequisites in cell and tissue biology, and systems physiology at 2nd year undergrad level | Any Bachelor Degree with min GPA 5.0 and overall score of 50 in each section of GAMSAT test, performance at multiple-mini interview | Brisbane (Herston or St Lucia) | RAS available |
In Queensland, two Regional Medical Pathways have been established to provide an undergraduate pathway to the University of Queensland’s post-graduate MD program and enable completion of medical studies in regional Queensland. Available to those based in Central Queensland and Wide Bay, and Darling Downs and South West.
Regional Medical Pathway for Central QLD and Wide Bay Regions
| Institution | Duration | Course type | Prerequisites | Entry requirements | Location | Rural Access Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Queensland University | 3 years | Undergraduate Bachelor of Medical Science | English (3/4, C); Mathematical Methods (3/4, C); Biology, Chemistry or Physics (3/4, C) | Minimum ATAR 95.00, competitive UCAT ANZ score. | Bundaberg or Rockhampton | RAS available |
Regional Medical Pathway for Darling Downs and South West Regions
| Institution | Duration | Course type | Prerequisites | Entry requirements | Location | Rural Access Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Queensland | 3 years | Undergraduate (Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences) | English (3/4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (3/4, C). Recommended Biology, Chemsitry or Physics (3/4, C). | Minimum ATAR 95.00 | Toowoomba | RAS available |
For further information on individual course information, including specific eligibility requirements, please contact the relevant institution via the weblinks above.
Medical Path Diagram
The below diagram provides a general idea of what a medical pathway may look like from start to finish:
